A Glossop action group is still battling to keep the library in Victoria Hall, despite Derbyshire County Council planning a £2m replacement.

Save Our Local Library chair Michael Clarke said: “SOUL has won backing from the Big Lottery Fund to pay for specialised heritage architects, Bernard Taylor Partnership in Stockport, to draw up plans to make the existing library premises fit for the 21st century use whilst retaining its character and outward appearance.”

SOUL’s plans include proposals to make the whole building accessible for wheelchair users and others with impaired mobility.

To create a multi-use first floor, a large, public hall for films, concerts, shows, weddings and flexible spaces for other events/activities.

There would be a modern internet café and bistro, with additional outdoor seating on the lower ground floor.

The plans would also expand the rest of the usable space to include an entrance foyer and other areas.

The ground floor library area would be redesigned to make it more child friendly, a quiet area for researchers and students with upgraded internet access.

Better facilities for the library staff is also part of the package.

SOUL says: “Why spend £2m in these days of financial austerity on building something we already have?”